Carl Icahn is part of the top 50 richest men in the world with a net worth of $15.1 billion, according to Forbes. He is widely known as one of the most polarizing people in Wall Street with a reputation for delivering controversial decisions and initiatives that heavily influence corporate America. Some of his widely reported ventures include his takeover efforts of Texaco, Trans World Airlines (TWA), and American Airlines. He founded Icahn Enterprises (formerly known as American Real Estate Partners) and is the chairman of American developer and manufacturer Federal-Mogul as well. His brash leadership style and fearless takes on the market has made Icahn one of the highly respected men in the world today.

Icahn was born on February 16, 1936 to Bella Icahn, a public school teacher, and Michael Icahn, a cantor, in Brooklyn, New York. Even at a young age, the billionaire investor had learned the value of money and hard work as he struggled to survive the harsh Brooklyn environment where he was raised. Following his graduation from Far Rockaway High School, Icahn gained acceptance at Princeton University for his remarkable grades.

In 1957, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Princeton and enrolled at New York University School of Medicine. However, Icahn’s lack of interest in the course prompted him to drop out in his third year. He then went into the Army Reserves.